In Remembrance

Mary Bergan
September 13, 1941 – November 30, 2023

Educators, classified professionals and the union movement lost a true champion and advocate of collective bargaining rights with the sudden passing of long-time CFT President Mary Bergan on November 30.

Mary became a middle school English teacher in Pittsburg, California and joined the then known Pittsburg-Antioch Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 2001. Mary had a profound and lasting impact on the course of the California Federation of Teachers and the state labor movement. She dedicated her professional life to improving the working conditions for educational employees and the working class in general. Mary was CFT president for 16 years and served the union for 35 years.

Prior to being elected CFT President, Mary was CFT's first lobbyist and close confidant to then-Governor Jerry Brown, being recognized as one of the most effective legislative advocates in Sacramento. As CFT lobbyist, Mary helped bring collective bargaining for educators and classified employees to Governor Brown’s desk and signature in 1975 with passage of the Rodda Act. This landmark legislation changed the course of education unionism in California.

Mary also helped shape national policy as the first Californian to be elected an AFT Vice President in nearly 40 years. She was a founding member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women and is the only woman who has served as CFT President in the modern era. She received the union’s highest honor in 2009. In her retirement, she continued her electoral advocacy work with the League of Women Voters. Mary’s intellect, leadership, and advocacy have left us a lasting legacy.

Mary resided in Oakland but had recently moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin — where she died — to be closer to her family. She was 82.

Thank you, Mary! May you rest in peace.

With gratefulness and solidarity forever.

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